Inglese-injected 1973 Ford Capri Road Racer

Jerry LaCoss’s 1973 Capri was built from the partial shell of an ex-drag racer.

We talked with Jerry LaCoss during the Hot Rod Power Tour stop in Memphis. We were admiring his hopped up Ford Capri – a unique sight in the infield sea of muscle cars and late models. While we were impressed, we were even more intrigued by the car he said he was working on, and told him to shoot us some photos when it was finished. Lo and behold, he remembered. Feast your eyes upon one of the coolest road-racing inspired Ford Capris in the country. The kicker? He’s topped the 302 with an eight-barreled EFI setup from Inglese.

The 306ci Ford small block is fed with a color-matched Inglese EFI setup for both looks and performance. It’s a nice nod to the car’s road racing inspiration.

A little-known fact about the Capri is that they were designed by Phillip T. Clark, a lead designer of the Mustang. Ford hoped the little fastback coupe would emulate the success of the Mustang over in Europe, and though not exactly a trend setter like it’s pony car sibling, they sold over 1.9 million units. Production ran from 1969 to 1986 and American versions were sold through Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury channels.

Jerry’s 1973 Capri was just a partial shell when he bought it. It was a “salvaged ex-drag car” that would require two and a half years to complete. He had a few friends friends help with the heavy fabrication before the car brought to a couple of young guys who had just started a paint shop. This was their first full-on custom.

Tech-specs include self-leveling Ridetech Shockwave suspension with a four-link out back.The full-floating rear axle features a 3J limited slip and 3.22 gears. He also added an electric ABS braking system, upgraded the sway bars and brakes, and fitted one-off 17-inch Forgeline wheels with center locks and Yokohama tires.

The body was treated to Mustang rear fender vents and flush door handles from Kindig-it. Fiberglass panels include the hood, front air dam, decklid and rear spoiler. The full-custom interior features Corbeau LG-1 seats, a full Kenwood media center, gauges from Speed Hut, and plenty of carbon fiber.

An 18-gallon fuel tank keeps the 306ci Ford crate engine fed. The peppy small block is topped with Inglese EFI, sparked with an MSD ignition and backed with a T5 transmission through a McLeod hydraulic clutch. The large fuel capacity will come in handy, as Jerry plans to run the Capri on the next Power Tour. With a curb weight around 2700 lbs, he says the little car is easy to drive, fast and loud! Keep your eyes open for this cool cruiser on the streets and on Power Tour.

Mustang side vents were added, along with fiberglass panels that include the hoof, decklid, air dam, and rear spoiler.